164 PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



eral shoots are used for cuttings, and in making them the 

 lower leaves are cut off, as shown in figure 57. The cut^ 

 tings should be cut square across, just below a bud, or 

 the axil of a leaf, and of twigs firm enough to be severed 

 without breaking or crushing under the blade of a sharp 

 implement. In making very small and slender cut- 

 tings, like those of the Heath (Ericas), a razor in good 



58. STAPELIA GLAUCA. 



order is none too sharp an implement for this work, and 

 the heel of the cutting may be placed on the thumb nail^ 

 or a piece of horn when being smoothed off before 

 planting. 



No general rule can be given as to the exact time for 

 separating the cutting from the parent plant ; with v somp 

 it is better to take them off while the growth is very 

 young and tender, while with .others it should be some- 



